Prior to submission you will be required to pay a nonrefundable, nonwaivable $50 application fee via credit card or PayPal.

Who is eligible?

Applicants for The San Francisco Semester must be:

Recent high school graduates with a performance background seeking a gap year

Theater majors in their junior or senior year,

Theater minors and second-term sophomores with special recommendations from theater faculty, or

Recent college graduates with a theater major or minor

What are the application requirements?

Applicants for The San Francisco Semester must have:

A GPA of 2.75 or higher, and

Evidence of personal health insurance

When is the application deadline?

Application deadlines for Fall 2018 are as follows:

Early bird admission deadline: Mar 16, 2018

For most serious consideration, apply by: May 14, 2018

What is the advantage of early bird admission?

You will save $2,500 off the price of tuition!

Should I submit a theatrical résumé? Can I include any non-theater experience?

You must include a résumé listing all theater work with your application materials. This can include acting classes, voice lessons, seminars, school productions, community productions, and/or professional productions.

Do I need to request official transcripts from my most recent school or can I send unofficial copies?

You may submit an unofficial transcript as part of your online application. If you are accepted into the program you will be required to provide an official transcript.

Can I send recommendations and transcripts separately, or do I need to submit all of my application materials together?

You will be required to upload your unofficial transcript(s) and provide contact information for your two recommenders before you are able to submit your online application. Please be prepared to provide the following information for each of your recommenders: name, phone number, email address.

When on the deadline date will the application no longer be available?

The application will no longer be available as of 12 p.m. midnight (PST) on the day of the deadline.

May I visit the school for a tour?

If you are in the area, the director of academic affairs or a conservatory associate will be happy to speak with you about our actor training programs. However, please read about the program and familiarize yourself with the application materials before your visit. You can make an appointment by emailing sfs@act-sf.org.

I sent in my application but haven't heard anything. Should I call the office?

Please wait at least one week after your application's estimated arrival date to call the office. When we process your application, we will send you an email to tell you which documents, if any, we are still missing and to schedule a telephone interview. If you apply early, you can expect to hear from us within a few days of receiving your application. If you apply closer to the deadline date, expect to wait a little longer to hear from us.

The Program

Classes take place at A.C.T.'s studios in the heart of San Francisco's theater district. Students will attend cultural outings across the city.

What is the curriculum, and what is the daily class schedule? Are classes held on the weekend or just during the week?

Please visit our curriculum page for a complete listing and description of courses, as well as a sample weekly schedule.

Who teaches the classes?

The facultyis comprised of working theater professionals, from directors and dramaturgs to actors and casting directors. Visiting artists will also teach master classes throughout the semester.

Will we attend plays or other events?

Yes! As part of the Cultural Landscapes course, students will attend the plays scheduled as part of A.C.T.'s professional season, selected A.C.T. conservatory performances, as well as outings to other Bay Area theaters, concerts, dance performances, and museums each week.

How do I receive college credit? How many college credits will I receive?

You must ask your home school advisor or another official at your school who approves study away programs to complete the San Francisco Semester Approval Form. Return this form with your application, and we will confirm receipt with your advisor. Upon completion of the San Francisco Semester, you may request a transcript from A.C.T.

Housing/Life in San Francisco

Where do students live?

A.C.T. does not find housing for students and has no housing available. Apartments, rooms, and residence clubs are located within walking distance of the A.C.T. studios in downtown San Francisco. Other housing is available a short bus ride away, and San Francisco has an excellent public transportation system. We recommend that applicants use various online options to explore these possibilities. Residence clubs within walking distance include the Kenmore Residence Club, the Columbus Residence Club and the Monroe Residence Club.

If you have any questions about housing, please contact sfs@act-sf.org.

What forms of transportation are available to students?

Students may purchase monthly passes for BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) trains and MUNI trains and buses, which offer access to San Francisco and much of the Bay Area.

Fees / Financial Aid / Health Insurance

How much does the program cost?

Students are responsible for an application fee of $50; tuition of $15,000; housing fees of approximately $3,600–4,100 (A.C.T. will suggest housing options in downtown San Francisco); a Cultural Landscapes course fee of $400; and a library fee of $25. Tuition for those applying for early bird admission is $12,500—a savings of $2,500!

Is financial aid available?

Yes. A.C.T. offers a limited number of scholarships to students enrolled in the San Francisco Semester. While no federal or state aid—such as a Pell Grant or a Stafford Loan—is available, A.C.T. can work with your current/home college to develop a consortium agreement if you are eligible. Students applying for an A.C.T. scholarship must complete their enrollment application package and submit an online 2017–18 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (available at www.fafsa.ed.gov) by October 15, 2017 for the Spring 2018 Semester. Private educational loans are also available if you qualify. If you have any questions, please contact A.C.T.'s financial aid office at 415.439.2411 or email jlopez@act-sf.org.

Are fee waivers available to cover my application fee?

Unfortunately, we do not offer fee waivers. Each applicant must pay the application fee. There are no exceptions.

Is there a separate application for financial aid?

Students interested in financial aid must complete the FAFSA (fafsa.gov) and the regular San Francisco Semester application by the financial aid deadline. There are no other required forms. If you are accepted into the program, you will then be considered for financial aid.

If you are currently enrolled (including being on a summer break) at another college while attending A.C.T., you should contact that school's financial aid office and ask if you can arrange a financial aid consortium agreement.

What is a financial aid consortium agreement?

A financial aid consortium agreement means that you can use financial aid (like a Stafford loan) from your home college to attend the San Francisco Semester. Again, please contact your school's financial aid office to make these arrangements.

I'm an international student. What are my financial aid options?

As an international student, your financial aid options are restricted to non-federal awards. We do offer a small number of scholarships each year, but international students should consult their country of citizenship for government-provided financial aid.

All students entering the program are required to carry their own health insurance or be covered under their parents' plan while in San Francisco. Proof of coverage must be submitted in writing prior to registration.